Reflecting Jesus' light through tales of truth and fantasy

Caught in a downpour without an umbrella?

Posted by: Rebecca.

He sat on the couch, feet propped up by the wooden coffee table, the remote pointed at the television. He flexed his jaw and continued surfing the channels for anything that would give him hope that, somewhere in this world, good was still happening.

“Is this day over yet?” His wife nestled into the couch next to him.

“I’m wondering the same thing. Had to lay off two more employees today. Hardworking guys who have families and bills to pay.” He rubbed his temples. “Hey, how did your doctor appointment go today?”

“Um, not so good.” She drew in a deep breath. “We have some decisions to make.”

“When it rains, huh? Come here.” He tossed the remote onto the floor, wrapped his arms around her, and closed his eyes, wishing he had an umbrella to shelter them from the storm.

Ever have times where you feel like everything is going wrong, and you can’t figure out why? You’ve found yourself in a horrible downpour, without an umbrella, and the sky is so dark, a rainbow couldn’t possibly appear. Ever.

Let’s be honest, we all struggle at times, some more than others. It’s difficult to keep a good attitude and be around people who offer advice like, “Don’t quit!” or, “It will get better.” (Do those people annoy you?)

Whether you’ve lost your job, been given a scary health report, you’re fighting with a loved one…every door seems to slam in your face, and you have the fat lip to prove it. Life just doesn’t make sense anymore, and God seems to have left you. (Leave the TV off…the evening news won’t help.)

I’ve learned in these dark days, God doesn’t desert us, and He will put others in that storm with us to be supportive and help us. It’s hard to see that in the moment, though. (Did you ever think maybe, just maybe, those “Positive Petes” are His way of letting you know He’s still there and waiting for you to ask for help? That He’s got that umbrella for you, and the rainbow is on its way?)

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

It’s what we do in those dark times that can either create character and strengthen us or defeat us. God can do His greatest work in us and in our lives. If we’ll just ask and let Him.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

I could quote scripture after scripture. Share story after story of how God has helped me and people I know. But the truth is, unless you ask and let Him into your life, you’ll stay stuck in that storm, with no umbrella, and you’ll miss out on seeing the gorgeous rainbow.

He loves you. He wants to help you. Plain and simple. Just ask.

Your turn to Shed Your Light below…

Share your storm story…has God brought you through the rain in an unexpected or unforeseen way?

Is there anything we can pray for you about?

About the author:

Rebecca Bergren is a writer with the ability to redefine clichés and travel through time with the mysterious, quirky cast of her novels. Life’s lessons have also inspired her to weave a message of hope and God’s restoration power into her heartwarming screenplays and humorous short pieces.

Rebecca is a member of ACFW, MyBookTherapy, Write Now Writers’ Group, and Writing Craft Girls critique circle. She lives in Minnesota with one fabulous man, three spunky kids, and a marshmallow-eating Labrador.